Struggling with full time job and toddler

[MissTify]

Hi, I have just started a full time job after being a SAHM for two years. I have a two yr old DD who is lovely, but really hard work now she's reached the terrible twos. I'm up at 6am in the morning, take my DD to nursery and have an hours drive to work. I get home around 6pm, give my DD supper, play time, where she gets all her toys out in the living room, then bottle, bath and bed. Most of it is a battle as she refuses to do what I ask. I then tidy up, wash up, get stuff ready for work the next day and then bed. I'm finding it really hard though and am exhausted. Does anyone else feel like this and how do you get organised, so your house isn't a tip all the time and your not constantly rushing around? Thank you.

[hickorydickorynurseryrhyme]

Probably not helpful but is part time work an option?

[MissTify]

Hi hickory, I'd love to work part time but there are literally no vacancies around where I live for part time work in what I do (HR).

[hickorydickorynurseryrhyme]

That sounds tough. I'm not really sure what to suggest though I'm sorry. I'm a SAHM and finding it tough too and never seem to get on top of the house.

[SerfTerf]

You're in an excellent position to draft a request for PT hours.

[MissTify]

Thanks Serf, I've only been in the job a week and it's fixed term for 3 months, but could be made permanent. I did ask if the job could be part time and the answer was no, as I'm the only one in the department. I really wanted to get back to work, but I'm finding it harder than I thought.

[ginswinger]

I was sort of in your shoes, a single mum working full time. So I decided to make some sweeping changes and started my own business. There's financial help out there for you as a single mum (I'm sure you're aware). I work 10-4, four days a week and whilst we're not rich, we are okay. My business isn't in the area I used to be in, I had to broaden my scope out a bit but we've never been happier. My kid still gets the terrible tantrums but I feel more connected to her and able to cope with my life. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you want more x

[SerfTerf]

Okay well maybe give it 3-6 months then review the work situation? Six months minimum really.

Meanwhile; Get a dishwasher. Maybe a tabletop and/or second hand one. Do as much as you can at the weekend. (ALL laundry, batch cooking, even freezing sandwiches!)

This will be the toughest year, whatever. Three year olds are much less oppositional and open to reason than two year olds. Four year olds even more so.

Plus if you can stick this for a while, you'll have recent work on your CV and more options.

[PenelopeChipShop]

I really sympathise, it is so so hard. I'm a single mum and freelance so I tend to go through intense periods of working full time then have some time at home. Oddly when I'm at home I always think I want to work for a break but the reality is I'm exhausted either way just in a different way! I do the same as you, get organised when they are in bed in the evening but it leaves you no time for you. Not sure what the answer is there. Sometimes i lay in bed and actually fantasise about being admitted to hospital with something minor that requires about 48 hours bed rest...